Carpio urges unique provisional agreement for Ayungin Shoal

Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio urged that the provisional agreement between the Philippines and China for Ayungin Shoal should remain unique and temporary and should not be expanded to cover other features in the West Philippine Sea.

Carpio warned that expanding the agreement could lead China to believe it has some control over the rotation and resupply missions, despite these operations occurring within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya clarified that the Philippines does not seek permission from China during its RoRe missions but only notifies them of such activities to avoid conflicts.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized that the provisional understanding applies solely to Ayungin Shoal and will not be extended to other WPS features, reaffirming the country's stance on maintaining its sovereign rights.

The agreement was renewed indefinitely in January 2025 following a violent confrontation in June 2024, with both sides acknowledging its positive outcomes in de-escalating tensions without compromising national positions.